A major data breach at Ascendum Machinery exposed personal information—including names and Social Security numbers—and now a $300,000 class action settlement is open for claims. Anyone who received a notice from Ascendum about the May 27, 2023 security incident may qualify for cash payments, reimbursement for losses, and credit monitoring.
Below is everything you need to know to understand the settlement and claim the benefits available.
Why is there a lawsuit?
The lawsuit stems from a May 27, 2023 data breach affecting Ascendum Machinery. The breach compromised personal information belonging to current and former employees.
Plaintiffs allege Ascendum failed to adequately safeguard that data. Ascendum denies wrongdoing but agreed to a settlement to avoid a lengthy court battle and to provide protections for those affected. As part of the settlement, the company must also enhance its information security practices.
Who qualifies?
You’re included in the settlement if:
You live in the U.S.,
Your personal information was compromised in the May 2023 data breach, and
You received a notice from Ascendum regarding the security incident.
These individuals are considered Settlement Class Members.
How much can people get?
Eligible class members can claim one or more of the following benefits:
✔ Three years of credit monitoring
Includes three-bureau monitoring and $1,000,000 identity protection insurance.
✔ Up to $3,000 in extraordinary losses
Available for documented, unreimbursed monetary losses caused by identity theft, fraud, or misuse traceable to the breach (from March 23, 2023–Jan. 15, 2026).
✔ Up to $750 in ordinary losses
Covers out-of-pocket expenses, such as:
Purchased credit reports or monitoring
Identity theft insurance
Financial, legal, or administrative expenses
(Lost time is included in this $750 cap.)
✔ Up to $100 for lost time
Up to 4 hours at $25/hour for time spent dealing with the fallout of the breach.
✔ $40 alternative cash payment
For class members who don’t claim reimbursement or credit monitoring.
What Are Your Options?
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| File a Claim | Get credit monitoring, cash payments, or reimbursement for losses. | Jan. 15, 2026 |
| Exclude Yourself | Keep your right to sue Ascendum separately; receive no settlement benefits. | Dec. 16, 2025 |
| Object | Tell the Court why you oppose the settlement (you still remain in it). | Dec. 16, 2025 |
| Attend the Final Approval Hearing | Speak to the Court about the settlement’s fairness (optional). | Jan. 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EST |
| Do Nothing | You get no benefits and you give up your right to sue later. | — |
How to File a Claim
To get any payment or credit monitoring, you must submit a valid claim form.
What You Need
- Your Notice ID and Confirmation Code
(from the official settlement notice Ascendum mailed to affected individuals)
You can file:
- Online, or
- By mail to:
Ascendum Machinery Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch St., Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Supporting documents may be required if you’re claiming losses (extraordinary, ordinary, or lost time).
Payments and credit monitoring codes will be distributed after the Court grants final approval of the settlement and the claims administrator finishes processing claims.
Don’t wait—claims must be submitted by January 15, 2026.
